How Different Could Life Be Without Drinking?
How Different Could Your Life Be Without Drinking?
That's a tough but necessary question…
I couldn't even imagine how my life would be different without drinking. I know that it scared me. And one of the things that scared me about not drinking was what other people would think and that I would never have fun again. How different could your life be without drinking?
Try to be honest with yourself…
Before I got sober, I was working on my own. I had a small kitchen and bath design firm and things were going along great (well, sort of) and I certainly hadn't suffered any consequences from my drinking. Hadn't lost a job for instance because, well, of course, I was self-employed! I made some mistakes when I was doing my design work, some expensive mistakes. I had to buy some cabinets for a client because I mis-measured. So, before I quit drinking, I guess you could say my productivity was sliding a bit.
What happened in sobriety…
I want to tell you a few things that happened for me in sobriety that I couldn't have done if I'd still been drinking.
After I was sober for a year, I started looking for a real job. My design business was falling off because of the economy, and it was time to get back into the real world. I decided to try to get back into the oil and gas industry that I had previously worked in for many years, but had been out of for about 16 years (14 actually).
Because I was sober, and because I had learned to be really honest and authentic, I was able to land a great job with a great company.
It's possible that things will happen that you never would expect. And I never expected that I would get a good job and that I would earn the kind of money that they paid me. That I would be gainfully employed and be a worker among workers. That was huge for me and I was so grateful and so excited to have a really good job.
And then the birthday gift I didn't want…
And then about five years after that, on my 58th birthday in 2015, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I have to say that the thought of picking up a drink at that point never crossed my mind. I was actually kind of surprised me that it never crossed my mind, because when you first get sober you think, okay, well, what would be my excuse to start drinking again? Many people come up with the C-word, as an excuse to relapse. I was so grateful that it never even occurred to me to pick up a drink. I'm so grateful because it would have made that a real shit show.
12-Step Tools…
The tools that I learned from the 12-step program that I was in really helped me cope with the fear that had come up for me before, and after, I was diagnosed. Being sober helped me get through that period so much more authentically and honestly, and probably purposefully. I didn't feel like I was terribly purposeful at the time. I think I was putting one foot in front of the other and knowing that I was going to get through whatever came my way.
You can get through anything…
That's one of the things that I've learned over the years, and especially with the coaching I've received and the tools I've learned, is we are able to get through things that we never thought we'd be able to. We're stronger than we think we are. We really are. And I am really grateful that I've been blessed with that attitude. I know that I can handle anything that comes my way.
You can do this…
I wanted to share a little bit of that with you, so that you know that you can do this. And I'm here to help you. Listen, if I can do this, you can do it. I still say, getting sober was the best thing I've ever done for myself. It started me on a whole different trajectory. And being a cancer survivor, that sent me on a whole different trajectory. I started this new career a few years ago, and was able to quit my corporate job last year. All of this was possible because I had a dream. I wanted to make that come true. It was time for me to do that.
I'm an example…
So, I'm an example of what can happen when you have some faith in yourself and when you believe that you can accomplish anything. If you're worried about your drinking, I can help you. There really is a better way.
My name is Nancy McKay – Author, Speaker and Certified Life Coach. I help women who are worried about their drinking. Over-drinking is a symptom of a bigger issue. I have been sober since March 14, 2009 and I've been where you are. I found my courage and strength and I guide my clients to discover theirs, too.
Interested to find out if coaching is right for you?
If you’re looking for a coach that will inspire, motivate and empower you AND that knows how you feel – we should talk. Helping women make a shift in their thinking and in their lives thrills me to pieces and drives everything I do.
Here's what one of my client's had to say:
“Nancy provided coaching during a challenging time in my life. She listened and shared insight to help me gain perspective. Working with Nancy was amazing! I will be forever grateful.”
Your Life. Your Choice.
I’m here for you when you’re ready…
If you think you’ve had enough, I invite you to choose you, once and for all. See what getting support feels like by scheduling a complimentary assessment call. Click the button below.
